Four Weeks of Fun, Friends, and Forest Flatulence: My Madagascar Journey

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to spend four weeks as a research assistant in the stunning landscapes of Madagascar. Little did I know that not only would I be navigating the challenges of fieldwork, but I would also test friendships (new and old). Spoiler alert: we all survived (despite highly competitive games of Bananagrams and Dobble, hours of forced proximity and some questionable decisions).

 

 

The journey began with a 5am flight (the first of many early mornings ahead). Upon arrival in Madagascar we enjoyed our final night in a proper bed before the adventure really began. The next morning started with a brilliant breakfast and meeting the people we would spend the next couple of weeks with. After a nearly two-day drive from the capital city, Antananarivo, we arrived at the remote forest site Mariarano. There is so much more I could say about the journey up, as that in itself was an experience, but it is easier to just recommend you do the trip yourself 😉

There is definitely nothing like a long car journey for getting to know people….

 

Into the Heart of the Forest

Upon arriving in the forest, we were immediately captivated by the biodiversity surrounding us, with the troop of Sifakas being just one example of who we were sharing our camp with. We had the opportunity to walk to the second forest camp, Matsedroy. This camp was one of my biggest highlights of the trip with the nearby lake being home to a variety of bird species.

 

 

Approximately 90% of wildlife in Madagascar is endemic, meaning it is not found naturally anywhere else in the world. This meant we were immediately immersed in a variety of nature. For 3 weeks, my days were filled with a variety of surveys, where I had the chance to contribute to important research efforts.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Let’s just say that forest life didn’t always agree with my stomach. Between navigating the forest and dealing with a few tummy troubles, I got to know the local facilities all too well! But every great adventure comes with its share of challenges, right?

 

 

 

Diving into Coral Reef Ecology

After wrapping up in the forest, we made the long drive back to Antananarivo, where I transitioned to a marine site for a week of scuba diving and a coral reef ecology course. As a zoology student with a passion for conservation, this was a dream come true. The underwater world was teeming with life, and I was able to apply what I’d learned in the classroom in such a hands-on way.

 

 

Being underwater is always like entering a different universe—colorful corals, schools of fish darting by, and the gentle sway of the ocean currents. The experience was made even more special by the chance to reconnect with some familiar faces—staff members I had met during a previous trip to Mexico while working on my dissertation.

 

Embracing Local Culture

Another highlight of my time in Madagascar was the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture. Whether it was sharing meals or learning local dances, I felt honored to connect with the Malagasy people and learn about their way of life. Naturally, there is often a focus on the interactions between humans and animals when conducting fieldwork but it is just as important to acknowledge the human connections in conservation.

 

 

As I reflect on my time in Madagascar, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences I had—researching in the forest, diving in pristine waters, and bonding with friends. Yes, there were a few bumps along the way (looking at you, tummy troubles), but they only added to the experience and gave me some funny stories to tell when I got home.

This adventure reminded me of why I love this field and reinforced my commitment to conservation. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to explore the world’s wonders and contribute to the science that helps protect them. Madagascar, you were unforgettable!

 

All photos taken by Eleanor Whitby